What Can Title 1 Funds Be Used For?

Title I funding plays a vital role in supporting schools that serve a high proportion of economically disadvantaged students. This federal initiative aims to provide equitable educational opportunities and close achievement gaps. Below, we outline the goals of Title I funding, its uses, restrictions, and some innovative practices for maximizing its impact.

The Goal of Title I Funding

Established under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965, Title I funding is designed to ensure that all children have access to a high-quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic status. By providing additional financial resources, Title I supports schools in offering targeted programs and interventions to help students meet state academic standards.

Uses of Title I Funds

Allowable Uses of Title I Funds

Under federal law, Title I funds can be used for a variety of initiatives, provided they improve student achievement. Common allowable uses include:

• Instructional Support: Hiring additional teachers or paraprofessionals.
• Professional Development: Training for teachers and staff.
• Technology: Purchasing devices, software, and digital tools to enhance learning.
• Interventions: After-school programs, summer learning, or remedial courses.
• Family Engagement: Initiatives to involve parents in their children’s education.

Specific technological expenditures, such as buying broadband devices or subscriptions, are permissible, particularly when they help address the digital divide.

Unallowable Uses of Title I Funds

Federal rules prohibit using Title I funds for certain expenditures, including:

• General administrative expenses.
• Extracurricular activities, such as sports, intramurals, or fine arts.
• Equipment or supplies unrelated to the academic program (e.g., prom attire or driver’s education fees).
• Entertainment or meals, unless directly linked to family engagement events.

Administrators may face challenges when desired programs fall outside these boundaries, such as funding general-purpose field trips or unrelated school beautification projects.

Distribution of Title I Funds

Funds are allocated to local education agencies (LEAs) based on poverty levels within school attendance areas. Schools with at least 40% of students from low-income families can operate school-wide programs, utilizing Title I funds to benefit all students. Alternatively, targeted assistance programs focus services on children failing or at risk of failing to meet academic standards.

The U.S. Department of Education allocates Title I funds to State Educational Agencies (SEAs) through four statutory formulas:

1. Basic Grants: Allocated to LEAs with at least 10 formula children, exceeding 2% of the LEA’s school-age population.
2. Concentration Grants: Provided to LEAs where the number of formula children exceeds 6,500 or 15% of the total school-age population.
3. Targeted Grants: Based on weighted data, favoring LEAs with higher numbers or percentages of formula children. Eligibility requires at least 10 formula children, comprising at least 5% of the LEA’s school-age population.
4. Education Finance Incentive Grants (EFIG): Distributed based on a state’s effort to fund education relative to its wealth and the equity of education expenditures among LEAs within the state.

While federal guidelines set the framework, each state may have additional policies for applying for and distributing Title I funds. For detailed information on each state’s Title I funding guidelines, it’s advisable to consult the respective State Department of Education websites or contact their Title I program offices directly.

Innovative Applications of Title I Funds

In practice, schools have found creative ways to leverage Title I funds within the regulatory framework:

1. Technology: Many districts use Title I to purchase laptops, tablets, or software subscriptions, often bundling multi-year plans to maximize value. For example, some schools invest in adaptive learning platforms or mobile hotspots to ensure all students have access to digital learning tools.
2. Comprehensive Interventions: Beyond instruction, Title I funds have supported behavioral interventions, counseling, and mentorship programs, which contribute to overall student success.
3. Parent and Community Engagement: Schools use funds to hold workshops that educate parents on supporting learning at home or to collaborate with local organizations for wraparound services.

While Title I funding provides essential support, understanding its allowable uses and leveraging it effectively are critical to maximizing its impact. Schools can align funding with innovative programs, especially in technology and community engagement, to create equitable and inclusive learning environments. By staying informed of both federal and state guidelines, administrators can ensure these funds meet their intended purpose—closing the achievement gap and empowering all students to succeed.

Progress Learning is used effectively by Title I students across the country to achieve standards mastery and improve educational outcomes for students who need it most. Sign up for a demo below to see how you can maximize the potential of your Title I funds with Progress Learning.